Architecture as cultural heritage is strongly related to the skills of craftspeople and the craft traditions to which they belong, yet these traditions remain poorly understood. Raw materials require specific processing techniques, their properties vary widely, and their effective use in construction depends on the complex interplay of numerous material, technical, social and cultural factors. This book examines these processes and dynamics by focusing on material aspects of building craft traditions in the Himalayas. Drawing upon insights from architectural history, anthropology and materials science, it shows how similar forms of knowledge, skills and processing methods are spread over large parts of the Himalayas, but are also adapted in different regions and for a variety of purposes. The book draws connections between the diverse natural environments, raw materials, building styles and craft traditions of the Himalayan region, while underscoring the significance of the buildings both from a material culture perspective and from the viewpoint of those constructing and using them.